Introduction
Bergamot (Monarda didyma) is a perennial herb that is native to North America. It is a member of the mint family and has a strong fragrant scent. It belongs to the citrus family and grows primarily in southern Italy.
Bergamot can be used fresh or dried in a variety of dishes and is especially popular in Italian cuisine. The plant grows to be about 2-3 feet tall and has bright magenta flowers. Bergamot prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is relatively easy to grow and can be started from seed, cuttings, or divisions.
Essentials
Bergamot does best when it is grown in a clump rather than as individual plants. This prevents the plant from becoming too leggy and also helps to prevent it from spreading aggressively. Bergamot can be an invasive species in some areas, so it is important to check with your local Extension office before planting it.
When growing Bergamot, be sure to give it plenty of room to spread out. If you are growing it in a garden bed, you may need to thin out the plants every few years to prevent them from crowding out other plants.
Bergamot can also be grown in containers, but make sure that the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Soil
Bergamot prefers rich, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. When potting Bergamot, use a commercial potting mix or create your own mix by combining equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Watering
Bergamot thrives in warm, humid climates and does not tolerate cold weather well. If you live in an area with cold winters, it is best to grow Bergamot in a pot that can be brought indoors when the weather turns chilly. Bergamot prefers well-drained soil and needs to be watered regularly. When watering Bergamot, be sure to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can cause leaf spots.
Flowering
The plant grows best in full sun and moist soil. Bergamot can be propagated from seed, but it is also often grown from cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from non-flowering stems in late spring or early summer. Bergamot typically blooms from July to September. The flowers are pink, purple, or white and attract bees and butterflies. Bergamot is a popular choice for gardens because it is easy to grow and maintain.
Fruiting
Bergamot can be grown from seed, but it often takes several years for the plant to flower and bear fruit. For this reason, Bergamot is often grafted onto other citrus trees. Bergamot trees should be pruned regularly to encourage fruiting.
Bergamot fruits are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe. The fruit can be stored at room temperature for several days or refrigerated for up to two weeks. Bergamots can also be frozen whole or juiced and frozen for later use.
Propagation
The Bergamot plant grows to about 2-3 feet tall and has magenta flowers that bloom from July to September.
Bergamot can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. Bergamot seeds need to be stratified (a process of cold treatment) for 60 days before planting. To stratify Bergamot seeds, place them in a zip lock bag with moist sand and peat moss and put them in the refrigerator for 60 days. After stratification, sow Bergamot seeds 1/4 inch deep in well-drained soil and full sun.
Bergamot plants can also be propagated by division in the spring or fall. To divide Bergamot, dig up the entire plant and divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have 3-5 roots. Plant Bergamot divisions 18 inches apart in well-drained soil and full sun.
Bergamot can also be propagated by cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or summer. Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 2 leaf nodes.
Pests and diseases
Bergamot is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, leaf spot, and stem canker.
To prevent problems, water Bergamot at the base of the plant rather than overhead. In addition, avoid wetting the leaves when watering and remove any dead or dying leaves from the plant to reduce the risk of disease. With proper care, Bergamot will thrive and provide your garden with color and beauty for many years to come.
Irritation to pets
Bergamot is an attractive addition to any garden and makes a tasty tea. However, it is important to note that Bergamot can cause irritation to the skin of pets, so it should be kept away from areas where animals play or rest.
Benefits of Bergamot
Studies have shown that bergamot helps in reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol by reducing the overall cholesterol in the body.
It also helps in reducing inflammation, lowering blood glucose and preventing cardiovascular disease. Since the plant belongs to the citrus family, it is rich in flavonoids, it promotes immune response.
Since Bergamot contains antioxidants, it promotes healthy digestion and maintains blood pressure levels. The flavonoids found in bergamot stimulate lipid metabolism and prevent the accumulation of pathogenic fat in the liver.
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